Chapter Three

“Belle, not safe.  Belle, with a monster.” her dad mumbles as he stares at the wall, his eyes constantly darting from side to side as if constantly scanning for something or someone.

“Sir, its Gaston.” Standing in the room, slowly taking in the surroundings, I had requested that I go in alone, because it was only me that he had requested.  I think it was a good decision on my part, because what he says next has me staring at him like he has lost his mind.

“Gaston, find my Belle.  Gaston, slay the beast.” What the hell is this man talking about?

I step a bit closer to his bed, I notice that they have him cuffed to the bed by his arms and legs.  His head is in a vice that only allows him to turn it from side to side.

“Sir, I don't know what you’re talking about.  Where is Belle, Mr. Etienne?”  He is really starting to worry me, what if Belle is in trouble, real trouble?

His head snaps towards mine, his eyes start to come into focus as he gasps for air.

“Gaston, he has her.  She traded her life for mine; she told me that she needed me to be safe, she needed people to know that she was fine and that she would be back.  I am afraid for her Gaston. He is mean, his place is deserted and the household items talk.” I stare at him, what is this man on.

“Sir, please don't say anything that could get you admitted.” I mumble and now am afraid that the one girl who I want in my life will die before I can apologize to her and ask her for help.

“I am not crazy Gaston; I had an entire conversation with a teapot.  Her voice was magical, but I kept thinking it was a dream, until Belle showed up.  Please Gaston, you need to make sure that she is safe, you need to save her from-from-from that beast of a man.” his eyes get distant.

“Sir, I will get her back, please hang in there.” I grab his cold hand and watch as he turns back, his breathing becomes labored before he returns his eyes to me.

“Tell her I love her, she was always my precious Belle.  My time here is done, but Gaston, you need to be true to your heart.  Never let the fear of others opinions stop you from your true heart's purpose.” I watch as he loses the life in his eyes and a tiny gasp of air leaves his lungs.

“I promise you sir, I will find Belle.  I will stay true to my heart; I will not rest until I have my heart in order.” I cover his body with the sheet and head towards the door.

“Belle Etienne, I am coming for you.” I say as the door opens and my best friend stands there.

I motion for him to follow me with a nod of my head.